Thanks.

Dear Reader,

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that's characterized by annoying and sometimes painful sensations in the legs that are brought about by sitting or lying down. These sensations can include creeping, crawling, tingling, burning, tugging, or aching in the calves, thighs, and/or feet. Getting up and moving around is usually the only way to find some relief. Also, because the symptoms can get worse at night, the disorder can interfere with falling and staying asleep, leading to exhaustion and daytime drowsiness.

Some researchers estimate that as many as 12 million people in the U.S. have RLS; others say these numbers are low because RLS is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Its symptoms are usually most severe in middle-aged or older people, although they can appear at any age, including infancy.

The cause of RLS is not known. However, about half of people with RLS have a family history of it. If you think you might have RLS, ask family members if they experience similar symptoms because there may be a genetic predisposition to the disorder. Other cases of RLS have been linked with conditions such as iron-deficiency anemia and chronic diseases, including diabetes, kidney failure, Parkinson's disease, and neural damage. Also, some pregnant women experience RLS, but the symptoms tend to fade within a month of giving birth.

Researchers have found that caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can trigger or aggravate RLS symptoms in people who are predisposed to have the disorder. Certain medications (e.g., antinausea, antiseizure, and antipsychotic drugs and some cold and allergy medications) may also make symptoms worse. Research has found that there is some association between RLS and other sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). You can speak with your health care provider about changing medications if you're taking any of these drugs and you have symptoms of RLS.

There is no cure for RLS, but many of its symptoms can be relieved with proper treatments. Treating the underlying condition can be a huge help. Otherwise, treatments can involve lifestyle changes and/or medication(s). If you're a student at Columbia and you're concerned that you might have RLS, you can call x4-2284 or log-in through Open Communicator to schedule an appointment with Primary Care Medical Services.

Alice

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